Hoodia Gordonii

THE PROMISE OF HOODIA

This is over and above the lives that could be saved from overweight people dying from cardiovascular disease and complications from diabetes and other conditions.

The above figure is based on an April 2003 study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study evaluated 900,000 people over a 16 year period as reported by best selling author Harvey Diamond in Living Without Pain (One World Press, 2005).

"Thousands of people have reported appetite suppression, behavior modification and weight control with Hoodia in dietary supplements . . . " Stephen Holt M.D. While not enough studies have been conducted with Hoodia supplements to support some of the wild claims that are circulating on the Internet, the historical use and available studies provide an impressive legacy.

British human studies suggest that an active ingredient in Hoodia affects the hypothalamus in a way similar to glucose (delivering a brain message that the individual reached sufficient food intake). One mysterious active ingredient of Hoodia is about 10,000 times stronger than glucose in its effect on the brain appetite control center, leading to a decreased intake of 1,000 -2,000 calories per day according to Holt.

How do you control the appetite of Rats?

Even rats with their notorious non-discriminating voracious appetite reduced their food intake when placed on "all you can eat menu" with the addition of Hoodia Gordonii. Such studies were repeated in South Africa, England and the United States. In one controlled human study, when obese people were given the opportunity to eat freely, the group that received the Hoodia supplements ate significantly less than those who received a placebo.

Historical Use

Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus- like succulent plant native to the Kalahari Desert of South Africa. It has been used by the natives (the San bushmen of South Africa) for thousands of years. The historical use by native tribes was to suppress appetite during long hunting trips when food was scarce. As the stories go, that feeling of satiety generated by Hoodia was often accompanied by a "feel good" and even mildly aphrodisiac effect. The San bushmen were traditionally lean and fit people, however in recent decades some of the tribesmen adopted western lifestyle with western diets, and like us they started facing the battle of the bulge. At this point they re-discovered Hoodia as a weight loss food.

There are about 20 species of Hoodia that grow in that region of Africa, but it is the Hoodia Gordonii that is believed to be the most potent one. After a legal battle with the South Africa authorities the San bushmen won the legal right to benefit from the commercial exploitation of their "national treasure." We join Dr. Holt in encouraging you to avoid low quality Hoodia gordonii substitutes and support the authentic South African Hoodia gordonii industry, which also helps support the native tribes in the region Over the last few decades Hoodia products have gained popularity in various parts of the world, but it was not until 2005 that the story broke in various newspaper articles in the western world and on major TV programs like 60 minutes and 20/20. One BBC reporter who traveled to the region to witness the magic of Hoodia gordonii reported that after a long drive into the desert region, the natives helped him sample the hairy,spiky,cactus- like plant. After peeling it he and his camera man ate a banana size portion (the plant does not smell good nor does it taste good) and during the four- hour drive back to Cape town and the rest of the evening they felt satisfied with no desires for food "it was a magnificent deception" (of the brain) said Tom Mangold, the reporter. The next day they skipped breakfast and had lunch with no great appetite. Normal appetite returned gradually after about 24 hours.

Safety Tips

The safety record of Hoodia gordonii as a food and a supplement would rate very high based on records of historical use. While there are reports of feel-good, and aphrodisiac properties, Hoodia does not contain caffeine ephedra, or any other known stimulants. Dr. Holt cautions not to use it with children, as well as pregnant and lactating women. He recommends the whole Hoodia gordonii plant supplement (in the 200 mg.- 400 mg. dose) rather than plant extracts, Currently, standardized steroidal glycoside extracts are being used for pharmacological studies, they are protected by patents and are not available for dietary supplements. As with any herb, allergic reactions are possible therefore it is best to start with a low dose. Be aware that Hoodia can reduce stomach acidify.

Get The Whole Story For additional information on how to use Hoodia gordonii responsibly, to help fight what has been described as a growing epidemic of overweight and Syndrome X, see the Book Supreme Properties of Hoodia Gordonii, by Stephen Holt, M.D. (Wellness publishing, 2005)

These statements have riot bean evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not Intended to diagnose, treat cure, or prevent ally disease.

Hoodia Gordonii-Helpful Tips

After checking with a major distributor that introduced Hoodia into the health food market in 2004, we wish to share with you the following tips :

People who report good weight-loss benefits either use it an hour before meals, or 2 capsules an hour before diner (the highest calorie meal followed by the most sedentary period of the day). For some individuals a higher does is required. We are hearing of individuals who require as much as 1,000 mg.- 2,000 mg. daily. Keep in mind that the Sam Bushmen used much larger quantities (in whole plant equivalent) during their hunting trips. So far, as Dr. Holt mentioned, reports of low tolerance level are not common.

Disclaimer: I, (Teresa Biggins) am not a Medical Doctor, and cannot prescribe, cure or diagnose. Many of these articles have not been written by me. They have been copied , usually word for word from Web sites, periodicals, books and fliers. Not all agree with my position concerning some issues, but they are all excellently written with wonderful information in them. It is only by studying many positions that we can make OUR OWN informed decisions. The articles are gathered and presented this way in order to help you achieve that end easier. Full credit and the source is always given, and I encourage you to look the sources up, as most may have additional information. ALL information on any page is here for furthering your educational needs for the purpose of equipping you with information only, and not intended for prescribing, diagnosing, or curing any ailment you may have. These articles may not be misconstrued as medical advise or instruction. No action should be made based solely on these contents; instead readers should contact the appropriate health practitioner on any matter relating to their health, or well being. Readers who fail to consult with with appropriate health professionals assume the risk of any injury. Your body is your own to care for. No claims can be legally made about the information supplied on these pages. These instructional documents have been prepared as a narration or copy of what has been reported in the most effective way to use the product or gain knowledge about specific subjects or products. These are not endorsed by the AMA or the FDA. All are intended to be an honest report of what is known about these subjects for those who are interested.